How long does an athlete have to start a field event attempt?
Rule- USA
- NFHS
- High school
- Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18)
- NFHS rules
- Track and field
- 2027 season
- Coaches
NFHS Rule 6-2-2 time limits, in minutes, set by the number of athletes left at the start of a round or bar height:
| Situation | High jump | Pole vault | Other field events |
|---|---|---|---|
| First attempt in the competition | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| More than 3 remaining | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 or 3 remaining | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| 1 remaining (the winner) | 5 | 5 | 1 |
| Consecutive trials | 2 | 3 | 2 |
The same limits apply in combined events.
- The athlete is warned verbally or by signal when 15 seconds remain (6-2-2f).
- At a given bar height, the time stays the same for everyone until the next height (Note 1).
- The consecutive-trial limit applies both within a height and at a height change (2026 Note 3).
Added 21 Oct 2026